STRIKE action on South Western Railway will see Island Line suspend its train service for two days next week. 


The strike will affect Isle of Wight services on Wednesday and Thursday, November 8 and 9, and no trains will run between Shanklin and Ryde Pier Head, although there will be a replacement bus service available.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union have instructed guard members to go on strike as part of an ongoing dispute over the role of train guards and driver-only operation (DOO) on trains.

Managing director for South Western Railway, Andy Mellors, said: "This strike is unnecessary. We have repeatedly assured the RMT that we plan to keep two safety-trained employees on our trains. This is because we know that a second member of staff provides assurance to our passengers and ensures we have capable colleagues on board to deliver assistance or offer advice during journeys.

"No one will lose their job. We have been very clear that we are guaranteeing the jobs, salaries and terms and conditions of Guards. In fact, as we expand our fleet, we will be hiring more Drivers and Guards to help deliver more and better services for passengers."

Further details on the timetable and rail replacement services are available here.